Britain’s oldest sugar factory, located in Cantley, Norfolk, is set to close in February 2027, citing rising energy costs as the primary reason. The British Sugar facility, which first opened in 1912, will result in the loss of 104 jobs.

The closure announcement has drawn concern from local representatives. Jerome Mayhew, the Conservative Member of Parliament for the area, described the development as “devastating” for the community, highlighting the impact on workers and the local economy.

British Sugar, a major processor of sugar beet in the UK, attributed the decision to the significant increase in energy prices, which have made continued operations financially unviable despite the factory’s longstanding history. The company has not detailed plans for the site post-closure.

The shutdown marks a significant change in the British sugar production industry and reflects broader challenges facing energy-intensive manufacturing sectors amid volatile energy markets.